Inca Trail, Peru archaeology Inca Trail Tours » Peru » Archaeology Peru archaeology Peru is steeped in a rich archaeological heritage, with some of the most important sites lying in the coastal desert of the northern coast and in the southern Andean Highlands. The oldest remains of the Peruvian man were found by Pacaicasa, near Ayacucho, he lived around 18 to 20 thousand years BC. The men of Chilca in the southern Peruvian coast were the first farmers around 9000 BC. The most developed civilizations began with Chavin de Huantar in the present day Ancash area. Later the Paracas civilization in the southern coast of Peru had excellent weavers that left works that are admired all over the world. The Nazca culture left many material remains of their development and specially the famous and enigmatic Nazca Lines that can be fully appreciated only flying in an airplane. The Tiahuanaco civilization was developed in the Altiplano that is today shared by Peru and Bolivia.

The Mochicas in present day Lambayeque were great artisans that left such amount of ceramic that graphically represents all the aspects of their daily life; besides, in the last decades archaeologists found remains of their material achievements such as the Lord of Sipan. The Chimu civilization was developed also in the northern coast and produced excellent pieces of metallurgy with such advanced techniques that are still an enigma for science. The Wari Culture was developed around present day Ayacucho, and was a really powerful military nation for its time. There were also dozens of other less known civilizations all over the country Archaeological Sites Archaeology in Perú » See Itineraries Peru ranks as a preferred choice for practicing Archaeology. The country is full of remains of ancient cultures and constructions of stone or mud, which are witnesses of the empire grandeur. Some of these places are Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley of Urubamba and the nearby ruins in Cusco, Sipan in Lambayeque, Chan Chan in La Libertad, Chavin de Huantar in Ancash, Kuelap in Amazonas and Pachacamac in Lima.

The Inca Empire was a recent arrival during the process of cultural development in the Andes during pre-Hispanic era, and the history of the Incas barely accounts for a century within the 20,000 years of human occupation of the Peruvian territory. After the Incas, the Chavin civilization (1500-400 BC) achieved numerous works in engineering, agriculture and architecture in the northern highlands. Along the coast, the Moche civilization (200 BC-700 AD) is famous for its pottery and pyramid shaped temples. This area was later controlled by the Chimu Kngdom (900-1450 AD), who built the biggest clay city in the Americas. To the south, the Nasca civilization (200BC-900 AD) etched an impressive series of figures into the desert. These lines and figures are known as the Nasca Lines. Also to the south, graves belonging to the Paracas culture (800- BC-600 AD) have unearthed superb weavings pointing to the magical and religious vision that governed the lives of this ancient civilization.

Centuries later, the Incas (1300-1500 AD), settled Cusco as the center of their empire, building major constructions such as Sacsayhuaman, Pisac and the Koricancha. Here myth and history merge. The many Inca roads, towns, people and traditions are a living example of the Andean spirit and strength. » AMAZONAS Kuelap The pre-Columbian Chachapoyas culture, conquered in the 15th century by the Incas, has left a landscape scattered with villages and burial sites which until recently has been largely overlooked by archaeologists. Located in the cloud forests around the town of Chachapoyas in Peru's northern Amazonas Department, these sites are dominated by the mighty fortress of Kuelap, perched majestically atop mountaintop cliffs overlooking the verdant Andean landscape. Yalape Archeological Complex built around 1100 AD in stone and mud; the site spreads over four hectares and served as an urban center for the Chachapoyas civilization.

The Sarcophagi of Karajia One of the main attractions in Chachapoyas is the "Laguna de las Momias" (Mummies Lagoon), a region where archaeologists have discovered more than 280 mummies and the Karajia burial tombs, which stand 2-meters high and are made of hardened day. Wedged into a mountain cliff, the sarcophagi appear to guard over their ancestral grounds. » ANCASH Chavin de Huantar Located in the Callejón de Conchucos, Chavín de Huantar was once one of the main religious and cultural centers in the Western hemisphere. An example of its outstanding stone architecture is the castillo or castle and its labyrinth, a mysterious construction of narrow paths and multiple enigmatic figures in carved sone, such as the ferocious-looking Cabezas Clavas, stone carved tenons that decorate the temples' walls. Sechin Located in the coastal valley of Casma, rich in archaeological remains, Sechin is a large stone temple which has been almost completed restored on three sides, the walls are faced by carved stone monoliths representing gruesome battle scenes.

The temple is Pre-Chavin, about 1,500 BC. There is a small museum next to the temple. These remains can be visited en route from Lima to Trujillo (or vice versa) or from Huaraz to Trujillo or Lima. » CAJAMARCA Necropolis of Otuzco Enigmatic monument known as the windows of Otuzco. Cavities excavated in a rock face, of different depths and some with carvings in high relief. Academics (among them Julio C. Tello) consider them to be funeral caves. These are spectacular relics of the Cajamarca culture. Inca Baths The Inca Baths, hot springs where Atahualpa, the last Inca, was staying when the Spaniards arrived. Cumbemayo An impressive complex of enigmatic stones, which include a pre-Inca aqueduct, cut into the rock, a rock sanctuary as well as numerous petroglyphs. Although man inhabited the Cumbemayo area 9,000 years ago, hunting and using rudimentary stone tools, Cerro Consejo was modified from time to time by Huacaloma, Layzon, Cajamarca and Inca civilizations.

With its terraces, tracks, caves and waterholes hewn in the rock it was the most important populated area around the canal and, as such, is perhaps one of the best places for scientists to understand the wise and ancient people who established their dominion over the water. » CUSCO Surrounding Remains Sacsayhuaman Sacsayhuaman is an imposing example of Inca military architecture. Located 2 km from the city of Cusco, the fortress was hewn from vast granite blocks to protect the city from the tribes coming form the eastern jungle. This site is divided into three vast zigzagging terraces and flanked by massive stone walls, some up to 300 m long. Later, during the Colonial times, the site was used as quarry to provide stone for colonial buildings. » read more Qenqo Qenqo is a vast rocky hilltop carved into staircases, holes and channels, probably built to store the chicha (fermented maize beer) used in Inca rituals. The site features a semi-circular patio studded with several large niches surrounding a stone figure embedded within a chamber, rather like and inside its own shrine.

Tambomachay Tambomachay is another fine example of Inca architecture made up of platforms, niches and fountains which still function today, as water flows down through them from a spring higher up in the hills. During Inca times, this was a sacred site used for worship of the water deity, one of the shrines that made up the system of imaginary grid lines that irradiated out to sacred spots or indicated the time and place of the ceremonies. Puca Pucara Administrative and military center, made up of terraces and stairways. Ollantaytambo Large Inca agricultural, social, religious and administrative complex. Pisac Ruins Colosal terraces, constructions and fortified towers with fine architectural finish. Machu Picchu Machu Picchu, "the Lost City of the Incas", was a flourishing ceremonial and agricultural site, probably the gateway to the jungle marches of the Inca Empire. The central buildings were erected with the polished stone works of the Cusco Imperial style, though the site was probably occupied well before the Incas started their expansion. It was associated with the earth cult revolving around the Coca leaf, which was a privilege of the Inca Royal family and priests.

The ruins, staircases, terraces, temples, palaces, towers, fountains, the famous Intiwatana and the Site Museum below the ruins require at least one day, some say two. Machu Picchu can be reached from Cusco by train or helicopter, or through the Inca Trail. Travelers can take a full day tour or stay for overnight at one of the nice hotels, one at the ruins, three down in the valley or in small hostels. Choquequirao, The Sister City of Machu Picchu Choquequirao or "Chokekirao" is 3055 m.as.l. and is located on an ample Andean plateau in the Convention province, in the center of the Vilcabamba Valley. Its archeological sites are considered as important as Machu Picchu, this is why it is called Machu Picchu's sister city. Archaeologists presume that it is one of the several lost citadels in Vilcabamba, where the Inkas refuged in 1536. The archaeological site is 47 km away from the town of Cachora, where the beauty of colorful vegetation landscapes make the trek an incredible experience.

Also the Canyon of the Apurimac River can be appreciated while it is descended, at any moment you will be able to contact with local nature. The construction of the archaeological site is attributed to Pachacutec, the 9th Inca and shows the high advance of the Inca architecture. There are constructions of two floors with niches in the walls, doors and niches of double jamb, channels of irrigation. Among the used materials are stones joined with mud mortar. The extension of the complex is calculated approximately in 500 Hectares. Among the greatest buildings there are reservoirs, terraces, towers, channels of irrigation built for a mayor Inca city. The first well-known information on Cachora comes from the cosmographer Cosme Bueno in 1768, in which he talks about the archaeological site. In 1865, Emilio Colpaert publishes the map of Cusco, where he signs the horse road to Choquequirao from Cachora and another route to the Victoria mines.

The most important visits and greatest scientific contribution was made by the historian Hiram Bingham in 1909, accompanied by a neighbor of the city of Abancay, Castro y Cáceres. After his famous discovery Binghan returns to Choquequirao to gather information to be included in the book about of Machu Picchu. It is necessary to understand the religious character of this complex. The architecture is distributed around a main square or and is very well complemented by nice terrace works. The archeological sites are distributed on the lower part of the Choquequirao Hill and they are grouped in different quarters. Each one is separated a little bit from the next, probably following a functional and social rank. The trip to Choquequirao is long and tiring but certainly unforgettable. You will leave Cusco on the Abancay Road and at Km 154 you detour to the Cachora Village where the trek will begin. To reach Choquequirao you should be in good physical condition. The route starts at 2900 meters above sea level at Cachora and ends at 1530 meters above sea level at the Apurimac River.

On the second day you will hike up to 3085 meters above sea level where the complex lies. To return, you will use the same trail. » ICA Regional Museum of Ica and Stone Museum The Regional Museum, which displays numerous and interesting artifacts from the various cultural periods of regional history. Dr. Cabrera Museum This museum holds a valuable series of engraved stones depicting primitive life scenes. This collection makes a good summary of the origin of the Peruvian civilization before the Inca Empire. Here are found pottery, textiles and evidence of medical practices by the Paracas and Nasca cultures. Julio C. Tello Museum Located 5 km (3 ml) from Paracas beach, This museum houses ceramics and textiles depicting daily life scenes, pieces that show the evolution of the Paracas culture. At a short distance, the necropolis of the Cabezas Largas is found. Tambo Colorado Fortress Inca architectural complex, presumably used as a control station of the Andean migration towards this area. Paredones Archeological site located 2 km east of Nasca, with a large square, deposits, ceremonial areas, barracks, niches, trapezoidal windows and other buildings.

Cantayoc Aqueducts These remains are located 4 km from Nasca. A complex system of underground aqueducts that allowed taking advantage of the underground water is an evidence of this culture's technological development in the exploitation of the land. Cahuachi 17 km from Nasca, Cahuachi is an archaeological area comprising a series of adobe pyramids with open spaces or squares between them. In the early stages of the Nasca culture, it served as a ceremonial center. Chauchilla Inka Cemetery 8 km from Nasca, there are tombs desecrated by "huaqueros" (temple and tomb diggers) who have left skeletons, skulls and other remains out in the open. Nasca Lines and Figures Mysterious markings drawn on the sand spreading over an area of 350 km2 (135 sq. miles). These lines feature several animals and plants such as a spider, a monkey, a dog, a hummingbird among others, in dimensions ranging from 15 to 300 meters each, with a depth of around 30 cm. These huge drawings are best appreciated from air. » See Nazca lines Sacaco 100 km.

south Nasca, are the fossilized remains of whales from primitive times. The first paleontological museum in Peru, the Fossil Museum of Sacaco, with general information about the local geology and images of the animal's life in that area, can be visited here. » LAMBAYEQUE The Museum "Royal Tombs of Sipan" In april 1987 the sumptuous Royal Tomb of the Lord of Sipan was discovered in the northern province of Lambayeque. An archeological investigation of the site was promptly issued, commanded by Doctor Walter Alva and crewed with a team of Peruvian experts on pre-columbine cultures. It has been dubbed "The Golden Wonder" by Times magazine, and National Geographic has published an article named "Discovering the Richest Tomb in the New World". It represents, without a doubt, the most important archeological finding of recent times, and the collection has traveled throughout the world in a series of impressive expos in Europe, the USA and Japan. The Royal Tombs of Sipan funeral complex houses within its walls illustrious rulers of the Mochica culture.

The most notorious of these include the Lord of Sipan, the Old Lord of Sipan, and the Priest. With them dwell their many companions and guards. It is a mystical treasure that manifests the artistic and cultural wonders of Ancient Peru. The Museum Royal Tombs of Sipan is located on the outskirts of the city of Chiclayo, in the northern coastal province of Lambayeque, on a 7 hectare plot. It resembles a truncated pyramid composed of five prisms which are laid diagonally and bare replicas of the royal standards of the Tomb of the Lord of Sipan. The red and yellow colors which decorate the building are similar to the ochre colors the Mochicas used in their decoration. The purpose of the museum's architectural design is to recreate the spirit of the Mochica temples, and to serve as a fully functional museum as well as a mausoleum for the Lord of Sipan and his companions. It was inaugurated in 2002, and is one of the most sophisticated museums in the region. This museum sharpens all senses: Visitors feel that they are taken back to ancient times to visit the Royal Court and discover the Moche society.

To achieve this effect, modern animation techniques have been used to depict the life and customs of this village. This is complemented with samples of the magnificent Moche pottery, its crops and activities such as metallurgy, works of precious metals, and religious practices. But this museum goes beyond the past. Currently, it lodges a craft workshop, where modern Moche villagers keep up their textile, craft and metalwork traditions to show the visitors interested in knowing the ancient and contemporaneous Peruvian culture. Bruning Museum This museum exhibits more than 1,400 archaeological pieces from Lambayeque, Mochica, Chavin, Vicus, Inca and other civilizations, the most important are 10,000 years old. There you can see, as well, the original Lord of Sipan. The gold room exhibits 500 masterpieces. Sipan At 35 km (22 ml) from Chiclayo, it is worldly known for the excavations in Huaca Rajada where the Lord of Sipan was found. The tomb holds golden, silver and copper ornaments, clothing, vases and personal objects of great value.

It is made of several structures, lake the royal platform and is considered as one of the most important places of the Moche civilization. Sipan became famous since 1988, when the local archaeologist Dr. Walter Alva opened the Tomb of the Lord of Sipan, full of gold, silver and copper objects. Tucume This vast site, known as The Valley of Pyramids, can be seen from a spectacular cliff-top about 30 km north of Lambayeque. The complex has 26 adobe buildings that served many functions from rituals to housing. Its construction began in the 10th century. Tucume was the last capital of the Lambayeque Kingdom; initially the first capital was in the Pomac forest, known as Sican. » LIMA Pachacamac Temple 31 km south of Lima, see the remains of the ancient pre-Inca sanctuary dedicated to Pachacamac, the "God Creator of the Earth". The interesting site museum, the Temple of the Sun, the "Acllahuasi" and some other secondary temples can be visited.

Archaeological and Anthropological Museum This museum features the different areas of the Peruvian culture: the Archaeological and Anthropological area, founded by Julio C. Tello, presenting the history and development of Peruvian pre-Hispanic cultures through an abundant collection of ceramics, metals, textiles, organic material and physical anthropology; the Gallery of the Origins; the Formative Gallery as well as the Chavin, Lima, Mochica, Metallurgic, Textiles, Chimu-Lambayeque and Chancay halls. Mujica Gallo Gold Museum Private collection of pre-Inca and Inca gold ritual objects and jewels weapons, ceremonial robes, vases, funerary masks. One Chimu tunic alone is made of 16,000 pieces of gold. Also on display is a remarkable collection of antique arms spanning the 15th - 19th century. Larco Herrera Museum Impressive private collection of pre-Inca pottery. More than 45,000 ceramic pieces, pre-Columbian textiles and mummies. Also housed in this museum is the incredible collection of erotic pottery.

» PUNO Sillustani Pre-Inca Cemetery (Tombs-Chullpas) These ruins are located about 32 km from Puno, on the road to Juliaca and are one of the best in the region. These circular stone towers, the Chullpas, which overlook a small lake, are huge funerary monuments built by the Collas to keep their mortal remains. Each structure is at least 12 meters high. The way they were built, with a smaller diameter in the base than at the top challenges the laws of equilibrium. » LA LIBERTAD Chan Chan Chan Chan, the largest Clay City of pre-Columbian America, was the capital of the Chimu Empire, dates from 1,300 AC and was built in an area of 20 sq. kilometers. Friezes and high relief decorations can be observed. Dragon Temple This Chimu pyramidal temple is located about 5 km to the north of Trujillo. Its walls are 11 m high. Here you can admire friezes decorated with serpents, warriors and dancers.

Sun and Moon Temples Archaeological group of adobe pyramids dating from the Mochica period (4th to 10th century). The Moon Temple (Huaca de la Luna) was built with more than fifty million adobe bricks. El Brujo This Archaeological complex is located 60 km from Trujillo. It covers 6 hectares and dates from 3000 BC. Its main section is a 90-foot high-truncated pyramid. It also presents some of the best friezes in the area, including stylized designs of fish, priests and human sacrifices. There are also many burial sites from the Lambayeque culture, which followed the Moche. Inca Royal Estate at Ollantaytambo By Nicoletta Maestri Updated August 09, 2016. The Inca site of Ollantaytambo, located close to the modern Peruvian town of the same name, is one of the best preserved example of Inca architecture.

Located in the Urubamba valley, or Sacred Valley as the Inca called it and where the most important and sacred Inca sites were constructed, Ollantaytambo was the last refuge of the Inca court and its last king Manko Inca against Pizarro and the Spanish soldiers in 1536. Ollantaytambo Location and Environment Ollantaytambo is located about 50 miles north of Cuzco , the capital of the Inca empire, at about 9000 feet above sea level. The site was first a royal estate for the inka Pachacuti, between 1437 and 1471, who apparently destroyed a previous town to build his residence. The site had an important defensive function and controlled a strategic area: the valley, in fact, was one of the empire's main points for extracting construction materials in the important quarries nearby, as well as the best place for maize cultivation in Peru. continue reading below our video 4 Tips for Improving Test Performance It was also particularly appreciated by the Inca élite for its special geographical and climatic qualities.

Here, sophisticated irrigation systems, along with canals, fountains and artificial falls were created both for productive and decorative purposes. The site is located near an ancient quarry, on the other side of the valley, whose stones were used by the Inca in the construction of the site. Archaeological research has used the quarry location to calculate labor-hour rates and transportation systems used by the Inca. Ollantaytambo Architecture At Ollantaytambo, the Inca constructed fortifications, temples, sacred gates, waterworks such as baths and fountains, palaces and residential groups as well as infrastructures such as bridges, roads , agricultural terraces and storehouses. The site was divided into different sectors: The Qosqo Complex: this complex is composed by residential units, called canchas, typical walled compounds as well as buildings with niches and portals. To the west was the Manay Raqay plaza, the monumental core of the site that leads to the temples zone, surrounded by mud-brick buildings.

The Araqama is the religious sector of the site, with a monumental gate that lead to the upper area where the most important temples are located, among these: the 10 Windows Temple, so called for the presence of 10 niches in its back wall and the Sun Temple. Cult of the Sun and the Water Archaeologists believe that the Sun Temple along with another ceremonial structure called Intiwatana (Inti in Quechua means sun) or “Sun Fastener”, a tower probably used for astronomical observations, were part of a complex dedicated to the cult of the sun. North of this religious complex, there is a series of water fountains used for religious purposes, among these the so-called “Princess’s Bath”, a stone building, where water still flows. Ollantaytambo was abandoned abruptly by its inhabitants in the midst of a restoring and remodeling phase, and for this reason it constitutes an invaluable source of information about Inca architecture techniques, trade and organization Sources This glossary entry is a part of the About.com guide to the Inca Empire , and the Dictionary of Archaeology . Protzen, Jean-Pierre, 1993, Inca architecture and construction at Ollantaytambo.

New York, Oxford University Press. Sacred Valley Sacred Valley Moray, Sacred Valley, Peru More photos The term Sacred Valley of the Incas is used to refer to the valley of the Urubamba River, especially between Pisac and Ollantaytambo. The whole of the Urubamba River was very important to the Incas, and many of their most sacred sites were located near the river, including Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu. Nowadays, as in Inca times, the Sacred Valley is an important agricultural area, and most of the towns have given themselves titles such as ‘the world capital of maize', or ‘the world capital of capulí'. Its pleasant climate makes it particularly suited to agriculture. The Sacred Valley contains some of the most visited archaeological sites in the Cusco area. Pisac and Ollantaytambo are both important ruins, and most visitors to Cusco visit the valley. Sacred Valley, Peru Photos of Top 10 Inca Ruins to See -- National Geographic 1.

Sacsahuaman Photograph by Gonzalez, Laif/Redux Not long ago, Machu Picchu was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, a result that will surprise none of the millions of people who’ve visited the spectacular stone citadel in the sky. What most visitors to Peru don’t know, however, is that the country is thick with ancient Inca wonders. Here are ten others worth checking out. Many are within a day’s journey of Cusco and can be combined with a visit to Machu Picchu. The first is Sacsahuaman (pictured above). Arguably the greatest Inca ruin outside of Machu Picchu, this gargantuan complex overlooks the city of Cusco. (You can take a taxi or hike up in less than an hour.) Sacsahuaman is believed to have once been a royal retreat, a fortress, or both. Its zigzag walls are built with some of the largest stones to be found in Inca masonry; some are estimated to weigh as much as 300 tons, yet are fit together as tightly as the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. — Mark Adams , author of Turn Right at Machu Picchu 2.

Vitcos/Yurak Rumi Photograph by Mark Adams When Hiram Bingham came to Peru in 1911 to search for the Lost City of the Inca, one of his top priorities was finding this former Inca settlement. The main palace here is enormous—its front wall measures more than 200 feet across—and its doorways feature some of the finest Inca stonework in existence. The real draw, though, is Yurak Rumi (pictured above)—“White Rock” in Quechua—an intricately carved granite boulder the size of a city bus, which was once one of the holiest shrines in the Inca Empire. 3. Pisac Photograph by Raach, laif/Redux These ruins, overlooking the Urubamba River less than an hour northeast of Cusco, are notable for their Inca waterworks and beautiful, curving agricultural terraces, which offer excellent vistas of the Sacred Valley. The religious buildings in particular are as finely made as those at Machu Picchu, and the site features one of Peru’s only remaining intihuatanas, enigmatic carved rocks that were used for astronomical observation.

The town of Pisac, located beneath the ruins, also hosts a popular local crafts market. 4. Ollantaytambo Photograph by Paul Spierenburg, Laif/Redux In 1536, this settlement was the site of the Inca's greatest military victory over the invading Spaniards. Today, it is one of the only towns in Peru that retains its original Inca walls and street grid, dominated by long, ancient stone walls that once divided groups of homes around communal courtyards. An imposing set of stone terraces (from which the Inca assaulted their Spanish invaders with slingshots and arrows), capped by six enigmatic slabs of pink granite, looms above the town. Most trains to and from Machu Picchu stop at Ollantaytambo, making it an ideal overnight stop. 5. Cusco and the Koricancha Photograph by Vassil Donev, EPA/Corbis The name Cusco can be translated as “navel of the world,” and this holy city was once the nexus of the Inca Empire; four roads led out from its central plaza in the cardinal directions, toward the empire’s four quarters.

Cusco was also home to the palaces of its rulers. Most of the original Inca buildings were destroyed by the conquistadors, but some walls—famous for masonry so precise that a knife blade cannot be wedged between stones—were incorporated into new structures. The walls were so well made that they’ve withstood major earthquakes and can still be seen in Cusco’s tight alleyways. The holiest site of all was the Koricancha, or sun temple, which at the time of the Spanish invasion was covered in sheets of gold. The precious metals have long since departed, but much of the original temple still stands beneath the veneer of a Spanish monastery. 6. Moray Photograph by Ian Wood, Alamy This unique archaeological site is one of the best examples—along with Machu Picchu—of what might be called extreme Inca landscaping. Three enormous pits, each with beautifully curved sides that staircase down like the interiors of titanic flowerpots, have been carved out of the earth to depths of up to 100 feet and more.

Air temperatures between the top and bottom layers can differ by more than 20 degrees, which has led some researchers to theorize that Moray was an Inca agricultural site where experiments on crops were conducted. 7. Choquequirao Photograph by Jason Rothe, Alamy Often referred to as Machu Picchu’s sister city because of its striking similarity to the more famous site, Choquequirao may in fact be the larger of the two. (Only 30 percent of the original complex is believed to have been uncovered; in 2005, several sets of ancient agricultural terraces decorated with stone llamas were found.) In addition to its fascinating ruins around a central plaza (as at Machu Picchu), Choquequirao offers the most breathtaking views of any Inca site. The arduous two-day walk to what was probably the estate of an Inca emperor is slowly gaining in popularity as an alternative to the Inca Trail, but to reach the ruins one must walk up and down the steep sides of a valley almost a mile deep. 8.

Isla del Sol Photograph by Karl-Heinz Raach, Laif/Redux According to the creation myth of the Inca, this island in the middle of Lake Titicaca is where the waters that once covered the Earth receded and the all-powerful sun god, Inti, first emerged. Today the island—which is located on the Bolivian side of the lake—is still home to dozens of Inca and pre-Inca ruins connected by hiking trails (no cars are allowed on the island). Among the most impressive sights are the labyrinth-like structure called the Chincana (above) and the sacred Titi Khar’ka—Rock of the Puma—which gave the lake its name. 9. Tipon Photograph by Linda Whitwam, Getty Images The Inca were brilliant engineers who strove to integrate their architecture with its natural surroundings. Tipon, a 500-acre site built around a spring near Cusco, has been called their masterpiece of water management.

Because the waterworks were constructed as part of a country estate for Inca nobility, Tipon has beautiful stone structures akin to those at Machu Picchu, built in the imperial Inca style, with trapezoidal doors, and serviced by finely cut stone fountains. The intricate baths and irrigation channels still function five centuries after the Spanish conquest, which provides Tipon with an endless, soothing soundtrack of running water. 10. Huchuy Cusco Photograph by Rebecca J. Spurling This Inca town, whose name means “Little Cusco” in Quechua, is believed to have been constructed by an early Inca emperor to mark the conquest of a nearby rival tribe. Today, it’s best known for its impressive number of stone buildings and commanding view of the Sacred Valley. What makes the ruins especially appealing, though, is that they are accessible only on foot, and can be reached from (Big) Cusco in less than a day, making them a popular overnight trip. Much of the scenic uphill journey is made through winding gorges and on original stone Inca roads.

OLLANTAYTAMBO , Peruvian Archaeological Sites Tumbes Climate: Cusco features two well-defined seasons: the rainy season, from November to March, with average temperatures of 12 °C; and a dry season (the recommended time of year for visiting) from April to October, with cold nights, sunny days and average temperatures of 9 °C. Access: Ollantaytambo town lies 97 km from the city of Cusco (two-and-a-half hours). Services: The area features restaurants, hotels and services such as rental of horses and mountain bikes. Ollantaytambo, a typical Inca town, located 93 km northeast of Cusco, was so-named in honor of local chieftain Ollanta, who according to legend fell in love with one of the daughters of Inca ruler Pachacútec and was punished for daring to set his sights on royalty. The Ollantaytambo Fortress, perched on a hilltop overlooking the town, features buildings such as the Temple of the Sun, the Mañaracay or Royal Chamber, the Incahuatana and the Princess' Baths.

The upper section features a fortress made up of a series of carved stone terraces built to protect the valley from possible invasion by warring jungle tribes. One of the best-preserved areas lies north of the Hanan Huacaypata square: an area of 15 blocks of houses built on top of carved stone walls. The present-day town of Ollantaytambo is located in the same site where the urban sector was in Inkan times. It is really interesting because it is the only spot in Peru where it is possible to find people living in the same buildings that served as homes for the nobility of the Inca Society. Some of its narrow streets still keep their water channels where very clean water flowed for the population use; they are by the middle or at one side. The streets of Ollantaytambo Town still maintain their Inca names. The town was divided in rectangular blocks with a very well planned geometrical layout giving the impression of being a town designed by modern architects. Every block was compound of two "kanchas" (apartments), the street gates had double jamb doorways which indicate that those were real palaces with rooms around a central patio.

At least the lower part of the buildings is original and made with "pirka" type walls that were covered with a clay coat and possibly also had mural paintings. Today, their thatched roofs were replaced by red tiles and it is possible to breath a certain air of modernity as the town has electricity and tap water; but in short, the town has still an Inkan taste. Some decades ago in Ollantaytambo, a worldwide meeting of the "Indian" representatives was carried out and they declared this town as the "World Capital of Indianity". By that time there were some efforts willing to help for an effective conservation of original structures; in practice, it is so little what was and is done for that purpose, and it is so sad to prove that many of its innate elements are being lost slowly. AIA Lecture Abstract - Three Sites, Two New Museums, and an Interesting Indigenous Festival Abstract: Three Sites, Two New Museums, and an Interesting Indigenous Festival Lecturer: James Kus This talk focuses on several very interesting archaeological topics that go beyond the sphere of most tourist visits to Peru.

Given that most visitors to that country travel only to Lima, Cuzco, and Machu Picchu, this talk gives a brief introduction to some of the other sites that are currently under investigation to give a taste of the rich variety of archaeological treasures in Peru. Three sites are discussed: Puruchuco, San Jose de Moro, and the Huaca de la Luna. The first, Puruchuco, was excavated by a team directed by Willy Cock. It is an Inca administrative center and cemetery; the focus of the lecture is on some of the mummy bundles uncovered during salvage excavations at the site. The second, Moro, is a Moche Period site (AD 0-800) that has been excavated by a team led by Luis Jaime Castillo of the Catholic University. A brief overview of the site focuses on some of the very impressive burials uncovered by Castillo’s team as well as the evidence for ceremonial rituals that have been studied. The third site, the Huaca de la Luna, is one of several Moche sites south of Moro that are currently under investigation by researchers from the Universidad Nacional de Trujillo.

Recent excavations at this site has revealed much information about the ceremonial rituals of the Moche culture, including human sacrifice. Also discussed in this lecture are two new museums in the Lambayeque region in northern coastal Peru. One museum houses the artifacts uncovered at the site of Sipan: it is an absolutely amazing place – a spectacular design housing a magnificent collection of artifacts. The other museum is also world-class, housing material belonging to the Sican culture that was uncovered by a team led by Dr. Izumi Shimada at the site of Pampa Grande. Together, these two new museums make the Lambayeque region one of the premier archaeological destinations in Peru today. Finally, this talk concludes with a brief look at one of the traditional festivals in Peru: that of the Senor de Choquekillca in the town of Ollantaytambo (itself a World Heritage Center famous for the incomplete Inca temple above the town). In contrast to the more famous Inti Raymi pagent in Cuzco that takes place in late June each year and which is primarily aimed at attracting tourists, the Choquekillca festival (which takes place seven weeks after Easter each year) remains an authentic example of traditional Andean culture.

The festival is illustrated with both slides and videos taken during several different years. Note: the excavations at the three coastal sites and the two new museums are being directed by either longtime friends or former students of Dr. Kus, and his god-daughter is a native of Ollantaytambo. In each case, therefore, he as had “behind the scenes” access to these sites, museums, and festival. Featured Lecturer Suzanne Davis is the Associate Curator and Head of Conservation with the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology at the University of Michigan. She holds her degrees from New York University and Florida... Subscribe to the AIA e-Update Annual Meeting Sacred Valley Peru Home > Cusco Travel Information > Sacred Valley Peru Sacred Valley Peru The Sacred Valley Peru is between the towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, parallel to the river Vilcanota. You can access it from the city of Cusco. It is composed of many rivers flowing down gullies and valleys, has numerous archaeological monuments and indigenous peoples. During the tour you will appreciate the towns of Pisac, Yucay, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero.

All this places has pre-Hispanic archaeological ruins that were built by different Incas and used as citadels or resting places. Ideal places to buy handmade goods. This valley was appreciated by the Incas because of its special geographical and climatic qualities. It was one of the main production sites for the richness of their land and place where it produces the best maize in Peru. All the Sacred Valley of the Incas is also a natural setting, where besides appreciating the archaeological wealth, is an ideal place to enjoy its rich flora and fauna, birdwatching, and adventure sports. The diversity of microclimates allows the production of large numbers of various species of tall flowers that embellish their fields planted with a variety of potatoes, cereals, vegetables and fruit trees and ornamental plants. In the area is common to find deer, chinchillas, viscacha, foxes, Andean pigeons, and lots of birds and beautiful hummingbirds. In the Vilcanota river can fish delicious salmon trout and rainbow, especially between the months of April to October. All villages are connected by a good road, facilitating his visit.

The varied and original scenery of snow-capped mountains, flowering meadows, and deep blue lakes with a unique flora and fauna make the Valley the main base for adventure tourism in South America. The Urubamba River passes through Pisaq. In this area the river is not very powerful, sometimes reaches about 25 m wide and gentle though almost all the way, there are torrential sectors used by intrepid tourists for boating. Tourist Attractions Pisac Pisac is located 32 km from Cusco, 2 972 meters above the sea level. It is located in the foothills Intihuatana, has the best system of terraces made by the Incas in the Andes. Near the village stands the Archaeological Park of Pisac, Inca archaeological locations, constructions in polished stone, citadel, turrets, military fortresses, astronomical, etc. Stresses the Inca cemetery which is the largest in America. Every Thursday and Sunday takes place in the main square the "Indian market" the fair of crafts, outstanding beautiful ponchos, textile crafts, sweaters, bags, etc. and ceramic crafts, the queros (ceremonial glasses), necklaces, etc.

Artisans and indigenous merchants of many towns attend this fair to stock and market their products. Pisac is famous for its astronomical observatory. This is a town built on the indigenous remains by Viceroy Francisco Alvarez de Toledo. In Písaq you have the opportunity to attend a mass in Quechua among indigenous and varayocs or regional mayors. Similarly, we can see how Incas agronomists resolved the problem of planting on the slopes of the hills. Sun Temple at Pisac Sacsayhuamán Sacsayhuaman is at 3,490 meters, is a very important archaeological site because it has many buildings in limestone which is one of the hardest rocks. Sacsayhuaman covers an area of 3,093 hectares. The valley is surrounded by mountains Ausangate, Pachatusan and Cinca Mountains, and is bathed by the river Tullumayo. This area has a beautiful landscape, abundant flora and fauna, among which stand out the llamas and hawks. The area where is the fortress is the head of the sacred animal.

Pachacutec Inca Yupanqui, the ninth Inca, redesigned the city and gave it form of puma lying. What catch the attention is the three stone walls that suggest the figure of the fortress. There are figures designed in stones and rocks, entrances to underground tunnels, amphitheatres, and ritual constructions, probably related to the worship of water. This site played a major role in Incan ritual activities. This is where the annual festival takes of the Inti Raymi takes place, which performance the Inca ritual of worship to God Sun or Inti. People villager moves with colorful costumes and dances. Visitors come from around the world who book their places well in advance. Sacsayhuaman Qenko Is an archaeological site, consists of two sites: the Great, located at the foot of the road leading from Sacsayhuaman to Pisac, and Small, which is 350 meters west of the former, on the hillside. This shrine is located on what is now known as the Socorro hill and covers an area of slightly more than 3,500 square meters.

At the time of the Inca Empire was another center dedicated to the rite and is of particular interest as its semi circular amphitheater and underground galleries. Qenko Tambomachay It is known for its canals and waterfalls that show the progress of the Inca architects and hydraulic engineers. Tambomachay was considered a center of worship and homage to water. It consists of a series of aqueducts, canals and several waterfalls that run through the rocks. The surprising thing is that of a main waterfall, the Incas created two secondary cascades, which are exactly the same. That is, if you place two empty bottles, one in each cascade, the two are filled simultaneously. Tambomachay Maras The importance of this town is originated by salt extraction, since the time of the Incas was very important for the mineral, in colonial times continued its importance, is demonstrated by the large installed Jesuit community in the area, today you can see the beautiful carved doorways in houses that belonged to the priests. Was a crop experimentation center used by the Incas for acclimatization of product brought from other areas.

At present this district keeps pre-Hispanic, colonial and republican attractive, highlighting people in the colonial doorways with coats of nobles and caciques from the sixteenth and twentieth centuries. The Maras Salt Pools is an impressive complex of salt exploitation, located in the area known Qoripujio, a distance of approximately 4 km, compared to the town of Maras. It has salt mines, which were already exploited since Inca times as a means of economic exchange and securities. From Maras can go to visit the salt mines by a bridle path, where it is common to find mules that carry the sacks of salt extracted from natural salt. The salt pans at Maras Moray It is located 7 miles from Maras in the Sacred Valley, 38 km northwest of Cusco. It is possible to reach Moray across the road from the village or directly from a detour from the main road. It is 47 kilometers from Cusco. In Moray can see the greenhouse or Inca agricultural laboratory, consisting of four platforms amphitheaters or overlapping concentric circular stones and a depth of 150 meters, like rings that are expanding as they ascend. Locally adapted plants into new ecosystems.

Some argue that these buildings may have served as a theater for religious and civic ceremonies not only for agricultural purposes. The Incan agricultural terraces at Moray Ollantaytambo Ollantaytambo is located 97 km from Cusco, 2846 meters. The archaeological site of Ollantaytambo is another monumental work of Inca architecture. It was built on two mountains in a strategic location overlooking the entire valley. It was a military, religious, administrative and agricultural complex. The entrance is by a gate called Punku Punku, made of stone and imperial double jamb. Ollantaytambo is the only Inca town that remains almost intact and houses still serve as homes where their descendants live. The design of the city, its axles, its urban structure, the beauty of the volumes and their play of light and shade attract visitors. The main temple has a front with six monoliths of pink granite brought from elsewhere and assembled on the stone perfectly.

The legend says that Ollantay (the titan of the Andes) of plebeian origin loved the princess Cusi Coyllor (Star cheerful) Pachacutec Inca king's daughter, who disagreed with this love. Pachacutec sent the princess to a house of Virgin, Ollantay attempted kidnap her from there, but failed and escaped. From the fortress commanding Ollantay had rebelled against Pachacutec, and after bloody battles was defeated, but the generosity of Pachacutec made Ollantay spare his life. Ollantaytambo Chinchero It is a town that also preserves the style of the time. Well is here where lies the tourist area, to buy items, clothes, accessories and more. Located 28 kilometers from Cusco and is surrounded by beautiful snowcapped Chicon and Veronica. It is a charming town, because of its Hispanic constructions and because is was a major agricultural center for the Tawantinsuyo. In their place still appreciate the stone walls with trapezoidal niches that frame for the traditional Sunday market, which is still practiced barter or exchange.

Anecdotally, women comb their hair with many braids. Mirador area is recommended to practice hang gliding and paragliding. Chinchero Archaeological site Calca Calca is located 50 km from Cusco, 2 928 meters. Town immersed in beauty of Andean landscapes, in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, which are the beautiful snowy background, Sahuasiray and Pitusira. Near the town are Machacancha medicinal baths (sulfur baths) and Minasmoqo (carbonated cold water). Calca is located near the archaeological Inca complex Huchuy Cusco. During the Inca Empire, Calca was a major population center with an amazing administrative organization; this is demonstrated by the presence of pre-Hispanic beautiful walls in the streets and squares of the current population, and also by the great archaeological monument Huch'uy Qosqo. They also emphasize the perpetual snow of Sawasiray and Pitusiray, which were important deities and gave rise to the legend of Pitusiray. Yucay It is located 68 km from Cusco, and 2 857 meters.

The beauty of its landscape, and its benign climate Yucay made the place chosen by the Inca royalty for rest and recreation, also attributed to a mythological character and powers of the human spirit. The fertile land made it one of the main centers of agricultural production in Inca times, large terraces. There are many Inca buildings, among which the Sayri Túpac Inca palace, built of stone and adobe walls decorated in high and low relief. In the village there is a small museum, there are comfortable and good hotels in the area. Ollantaytambo Fortress - Peru Peru Southern Highlands The staggeringly steep Inca ruins at the Ollantaytambo Fortress loom over the north side of the town of Ollantaytambo. They are famous for being one of the few places where the Incas defeated Spanish conquerors in a major battle. After a 1536 defeat at Saksaywamán, Manco Inca Yupanqui (a ruler and leader in the Inca resistance) had retreated to Ollantaytambo.

In an attempt to capture him, Hernando Pizarro, Francisco Pizarro’s younger half-brother, led an army of cavalrymen and foot soldiers to Ollantaytambo. Manco Inca’s army showered the approaching Spanish with arrows, spears, and boulders from atop the steep terracing, stopping them from scaling the fortress. In an ingenious battle move, Manco Inca flooded the plain below the fortress through channels he had prepared prior to the battle. Unable to advance with their horses, the Spanish were forced to retreat and were then chased down by thousands of Manco Inca’s soldiers. Not only was the site a highly effective fortress, but also a temple, with a ceremonial center where the Incas would worship, perched atop the terracing. It is also thought to have been a country retreat for Inca royalty and nobility. The fortress was built using stones brought from a quarry some 4 miles (6 km) away, high above Río Urubamba. To transport the huge stone blocks across the river, the Incas had to divert the entire water channel around them.

The climb to the top of the ceremonial center affords panoramic views of the Sacred Valley, including the Patacancha and Urubamba rivers. Those with a sharp eye will be able to make out an old man’s face formed by rocks on the mountain facing the ruins. To see the popular and spectacular fortress ruins in their best light, it is advisable to visit early in the day, before the sun disappears over the mountains. About The Area

Question: In which country are the archaeological sites of Sipan and Ollantaytambo?
Answer: Peru